Westminster and St James’s: the back story

About Westminster and St James’s: the back story

By the ULTIMATE London Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

Westminster is the seat of the monarchy, Parliament and government; St James’s, beside it, is a quarter of palaces, gentlemen’s clubs and shops that have traded for centuries.

Westminster

Westminster grew around the abbey and the royal palace, where Parliament still sits. Today the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben form one of the most famous views in the world.

Whitehall

Whitehall, the road from Parliament Square to Trafalgar Square, is lined with government buildings, the Cenotaph and Horse Guards. Banqueting House is the last fragment of the Tudor and Stuart Palace of Whitehall.

In St James’s, a shop founded in the 17th century is not unusual.

St James’s

St James’s grew up around St James’s Palace in the late 17th century. Its streets hold gentlemen’s clubs, art dealers and historic shops such as Fortnum & Mason, Berry Bros. & Rudd, Lock & Co. and the shirtmakers of Jermyn Street.

Our advice: begin at Westminster Abbey early, walk up Whitehall to Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery, then explore St James’s and end with tea at Fortnum’s or a Martini at Dukes.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Westminster and St James’s: the back story before you go.